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If left ignored, an eating disorder might hamper their performance and they will not be able to progress to the next level of their training. Therefore, it is crucial for coaches, training partners and parents to recognize the warning signs and assist in managing this problem.
What are the warning signs?
Issue | Symptoms |
---|---|
Weight changes |
|
Food behavior |
|
Self-image |
|
Personality |
|
Physical signs |
|
Evidence of problem behaviors |
|
Here are a few guidelines for coaches, training partners and parents to deal with athletes who are suspected to have problems with disordered eating.
-
Recognize athletes with compulsive and perfectionist personalities.
The drive and motivation might be very valuable characteristics; however athletes must be assisted in making the appropriate and realistic goals and achievements in order to ensure their efforts are positive, not counterproductive. -
Create an environment that supports healthy nutrition and weight control principles.
Apart from allowing the athlete to set realistic body weight and fat loss targets, coaches and parents should ensure healthy nutrition advice is accessible. -
Beware of the warning signs.
Try to be objective in collecting evidence of a suspected problem. Do not overreact! -
Confront the athlete when appropriate.
Express your concern and talk about objective data such as changes in performance or signs of unhappiness. Do not try to diagnose as the athlete may attempt to deny the problem. -
When not appropriate, talk to someone who can.
If you’re unable to confront the athlete, speak to someone who can, perhaps the coach or the doctor or someone in the athlete’s family. -
Seek professional help.
You are not trained to deal with disordered eating but you have the right to organise this step. Find a professional who specialises in this field. Make sure the athlete understands that you still care for him/her but you do not support his/her behavior. -
Support professional advice and treatment plan.
Remain caring, supportive and objective. Be prepared to be patient and flexible as the athlete may need constant reassessment of his/her goals.
Reference:
- Practical Sports Nutrition: Louise Burke 2007